CHESTERFIELD CHAMPION: Community spirit in the town created a bond between us all

I’m married with a daughter, who has just turned one.

I’ve worked for our company, PCT Healthcare – starting in the summer holidays – since I was 12 years old.
PCT Healthcare is an independent pharmacy chain and Peak Pharmacy, our Pharmacies in Derbyshire, were founded by Peter and Jane Cattee in Chesterfield in 1981.

Having grown from one pharmacy in Chesterfield to now owning and managing over 120 Pharmacies in the UK, PCT Healthcare employ over 1,400 people. 
We believe that our success and growth as a business is down to two thing – hard work combined with family ownership, and the values which we apply to our business.

1. What do you like best about living in Chesterfield and why?

I like the feel of a small town that is thriving and growing. The people of Chesterfield make it a fantastic place to live, and the ongoing growth and development keeps us changing with the times.

Our proximity to the Peak District is also a massive benefit.

2. What are you favourite ways to spend your free time in Derbyshire?

As we now have a daughter, we spend a lot of our weekends entertaining her.

We particularly enjoy Chatsworth and spending time in the Peak District with her. I’ve recently signed up for a few charity events running and cycling.

It’s a lot more fun training for this around Linacre or out in the Peak District than running in a city.

There are also some fantastic restaurants and country pubs. 
I think that we forget how spoilt we are living so close to the countryside.

3. Where is your favourite place to shop locally and why?

I’m not a massive shopper, as my wife will testify to, but I get to Zebra on Holywell Street at least twice a year.

4. What is your favourite ‘hidden gem’ in Chesterfield?

I love the walks around Linacre Reservoirs. It’s so secluded and quiet, and we regularly enjoy weekend walks around there.

5. What are the positives about running a business here?

The community spirit we have in Chesterfield creates a bond between us all.

People come back to our pharmacies because they appreciate the value our staff add, and the relationships we have with them. It’s a fantastic feeling to employ so many local people who are the heart and soul of our business.

6. What new development excites you most?

I’m intrigued to see how the area around the donut roundabout and Co-op building is developed.

I think that it’s in desperate need of smartening up, and hopefully will attract people to the town centre.

This should then have a knock on effect for local businesses.

7. What do you believe that Chesterfield needs but doesn’t yet have?

A Pizza Express.